Movado Calendograf ref. 14776, Gloss Black Patina Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

While it may be hard to imagine based upon their product line today, Movado Factories (yes, that was the full name) once made watches that were beautifully designed, exceptionally-well made, and respected on a level that matched the very best manufacturers. Some of their more sought-after models include the M90 and M95 chronographs of the 1940s - 1970s, the Sub-Sea range, and both time-only and complicated pieces that utilized case designs shared with brands like Patek Philippe, Mido, and DOXA. The piece that we have here, a Calendograf, is one of Movado's many calendar and triple calendar models. Dating to circa the 1950s, it features a 32mm stainless steel case with long, faceted lugs, 'micro-pushers' on the right case profile, and a snapback caseback. The dial inside, once a deep glossy black, has begun to change to a deep, rich brown. Not quite 'tropical,' but on its way. The printing and the patinated indices are excellent and are complimented by a matching handset. The symmetrical layout of the dial is wonderful, with the Movado text on the top, day and month apertures flanking the center post, and a running seconds register on the lower half. Of course, this piece is powered by Movado's fantastic in-house Calibre 475 manually-wound movement. Both M95 and M90 chronographs have become extremely coveted by collectors, and its just a patter of time until collectors begin to realize the incredible value that these complicated calendar watches offer. In our opinion, and we know there are a handful of other dealers and enthusiasts out there that share this viewpoint, there are not many brands that get design this right. Simple as that.